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Responding to an op-ed by former vet Charles Danten, Gazette readers write that despite his opinion that pet ownership is wrong, few experiences in life are as emotionally rewarding as caring for a cat or dog.

MONTREAL — It is just one of many urban mysteries that will set Montrealers a-howling. Out for a late-night stroll with Fido, Bailey or Coco, the devoted dog owner stoops to collect a little clump of warm and soggy dung and wrap it in a plastic bag.

It is a myth that we are controlling the animal-overpopulation problem by encouraging people to adopt animals from shelters. It is equally a myth that you can predict your pet’s temperament and disposition by getting a purebred.

At the Montreal SPCA, we evaluate each and every dog placed for adoption for temperament, behaviour and medical issues. Every one. That said, we cannot guarantee that each dog or cat we place for adoption is free of behaviour or medical issues.

The city of Montreal says a new bylaw that has many animal rights groups and dog lovers up in arms doesn’t even exist yet.
The bylaw in question is supposed to harmonize how the city’s 19 boroughs will deal with animals they deem to be dangerous.